“We are a sovereign state and have laws. Those who defy those laws will be dealt with accordingly. I do not know of any gender-based laws. Nowhere in the world is a law passed to allow women to commit murder or arson,” he said while answering the media persons’ questions in New York, US.

Responding to a question regarding the general elections, Kakar said that the Election Commission of Pakistan has the right to announce a date for polls and a date will be announced soon.

The interim government’s role is to support the electoral body and not impose restrictions on any political group, he added.

The government is not planning to ban any political party, he said, adding that the ECP has not banned any political party from participating in the political process.

However, he reiterated that those behind the May 9 riots would face legal action as the government would ensure a transparent legal process for the parties involved.

Read: IMF chief calls for taxing the rich in Pakistan

“We know how to defend and protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Kakar said while responding to a question about the resurgence of terrorist threats by the outlawed TTP.

A stable Afghanistan remains an important foreign policy priority for Pakistan and the US, he said, adding that the government is holding constructive dialogue with the interim Afghan government.

The interim prime minister said that foreign investors are interested in investing in Pakistan due to the government’s new policies.

There is no shortage of essential commodities in the country as the government stopped the hoarding of flour and sugar with an effective crackdown and policy measures.